New Returns Module enables returns handling through the supply chain

Whether as often the case with online and distance sales operations, return of goods is an accepted part of trading or not, every company is still striving to achieve tight control of returns activity and keep costs, volumes and impacts to both the business and customers to a minimum.

Some businesses only require simple management of returned goods and find booking any returned items into stock and raising required credits and adjustments in a simple and manual manner is adequate. However for many companies there can be a lot more to be considered, greater volumes to handle, returns policies to be adhered to, warranty timescales to consider and a requirement to have full management, traceability and analysis of returns activity performance through the entire length of the supply chain.

Return handling throughout the supply chain

Controlling and managing these more involved returns processes requires a greater level of structure and visibility of information. Staff may need to refer to specific instructions regarding checks that need performing on receipt or refer to warranty and return policy timescales. Returns could be dealt with in person or received at a later date, a variety of outcomes could be actioned and subsequent supplier returns performed as a result. These wide ranging and potentially complex activities need careful control to ensure follow up actions are performed with relevant documentation and adjustments handled. Accurate recording and full visibility of information becomes key in identifying areas for improvement, increasing customer satisfaction and reducing ongoing costs incurred.

The 2014 v9.4 release of OrderWise sees the launch of our brand new Returns module, specifically developed for those businesses requiring a more structured, accountable and tailored returns process to be managed throughout the length of the supply chain.

OrderWise Returns provides tailored setup options, control of user access and the actions they can perform along with flexible workflows and fully configurable product return criteria. The traceable management, visibility and process control when dealing with both suppliers and customers ensures return policies are upheld, resolutions are efficiently delivered and performance monitored.

Customer Returns

Whether goods are returned in person and require immediate processing, will be sent back or collected at a later date, OrderWise Returns will cater for each scenario in a simple and logical way. Returns can be quickly linked to original orders ensuring serial and batch traceability is retained, any warranty or return timescales are adhered to and original order prices utilised for accurate and effective handling. The reasons for return along with the customer’s requested action against each item returned can be easily managed and recorded.

Supplier Returns

Subsequent returns to suppliers based on customer returns can be handled with ease with a dedicated screen allowing full management of returned stock. Supplier returns can also be generated based on the original purchase order. Goods can be despatched from within the supplier return itself, alternatively if confirmation from the supplier is required, or the goods are going to be picked at a later stage, the Returns Goods Out screen can be utilised to produce picking notes and despatch the items.

Complete Management

As determined by the returns handling action chosen for an item, OrderWise Returns ensures that the relevant credits, debits, stock adjustments, repairs, replacements, write offs and refunds are handled in an accurate, streamlined and efficient manner. Companies can be confident of effective processing, ensuring high customer service levels are delivered, relevant adjustments handled and documentation produced.

For more information about OrderWise Returns watch our video or download the brochure.

To discuss your requirements in more detail contact us today on 01522 704083